Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: December 28, 2023

Date:   Feast of the Holy Innocents

 Scripture Text:  1 John 1:5—2:2

Beloved:

This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say, "We have fellowship with him," while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. If we say, "We are without sin," we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. If we say, "We have not sinned," we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today continues our reading of the 1st Letter of John. John reminds us that the LORD is the God of light and fellowship with Him brings us out of the darkness of sin into the light. However, John also reminds us that as humans, we are sinners. Part of our journey to the LORD is acknowledging that and the gift of the Son, Jesus Christ, who expiated our sins. Salvation came from the Father, through Christ, in the Spirit.  

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

 Am I honest, acknowledging that I have sinned, while giving thanks to the LORD for the expiation of my sins through the sacrifice of Christ? Do I seek daily to walk in the LORD’s light through my reliance upon the LORD? Do I open the door to my heart and let the LORD’s light enter?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your beloved Son among us, “the Light of the World,” to illuminate our world, to guide us back to You. Send your Spirit to tenderize our minds and hearts so that they are receptive always to You, your love for us, and the Son’s love for You and for us proven upon the cross at Calvary. May the Spirit help us to acknowledge our own sins as we embrace Christ’s victory over sin and our need for salvation from You through Christ. May the divine light of love guide us on our journeys home. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever, amen.